The European Flora Robotica project aims at studying the possible interactions between plants and robotic systems. Different options are being explored, combining fixed and mobile robotic systems and plants of different species.
The purpose of this semester project is to create a two-way interaction between a group of mobile robots and beans. We want this biohybrid system to take decisions able to steer a group of robots (about 20 Thymio robots). The project aims to design the theoretical framework, implement it and carry out the first tests of the experiment that demonstrates this behavior.

Design of an autonomous robotic fish

Type of project

Semester or Master, depending on experience and ambition

Motivation

To adapt the design of a prototyped robotic fish for autonomous swimming mode.

Description: A robotic fish has been designed to interact with living fish inside an aquarium [1]. This robotic fish is composed of an actuated caudal tail, a LiPo battery and can be remotely controlled using infrared. The size of the lure is 75x15x10 (millimetres). In our interaction experiments, the robotic fish is coupled with a mobile robot moving outside of the experimental tank and generates fish-like motion of the robotic fish.

In the current design, the robotic fish cannot move autonomously underwater, as there are no control of buoyancy, so stabilization control and the actuated tail can only be used to propel the fish in one direction. A modification of the design can be done to have a stable system underwater by controlling the buoyancy and the roll and a second actuator is needed to control the pitch angle of the robot.

Main elements of project:

Evaluate the physics of the robotic fish underwater

Define solutions to drive the robotic fish autonomously using proper actuators or other technics

The use of tangible programming environments is a promising approach for introducing novices to the basic concepts of programming. The use of such environments seems to be particularly beneficial for young users, resulting in a better understanding and an enhanced experience while programming.
The goal of this project is to develop and test a tangible programming environment for the educational robot Thymio (www.thymio.org). The environment may be realized using computer vision methods and implemented on Android and/or iOS devices. The work will be based on the existing programming languages Thymio VPL and Aseba. Interested students should be familiar with the aforementioned technical terms and preferably be interested in educational topics. Proficiency in English is mandatory, French/Italian/German would be a plus.